John 9
| It’s striking how
often the words of scripture sound like words ripped from today’s
headlines. In our scripture reading
today, we’ve already been introduced to our topic, but this was to be our
topic even before the disaster happened in Haiti. In our reading from John chapter 9 today,
the disciples ask a question that’s very similar to some of the questions
people have been asking in these last two weeks concerning the disaster in
Haiti. In newscasts and in
conversation all over the globe we hear people asking, “Why?” We try to find meaning in the midst of
human tragedy and suffering, and almost as an automatic human response some
wonder, “Who is to blame for such destruction?” |
|
| Even this week,
we’ve heard a variety of answers: Scientists tell us the disaster is the
result of a natural process called plate tectonics which is responsible for
the formation of our continents, mountains, valleys, and oceans. Some say it’s God’s fault. God must be cruel to create such a world
where natural processes are capable of such devastation. They say a loving God would never allow
such suffering. Others place the blame
on the people of Haiti. They must have
done something to deserve punishment from God. Some point to this kind of tragedy and say:
See. This is proof. There is no God. |
|
| So who do we . . . |